The Vanaprastha Yoga Program
Renew Your Yoga Practice & Thrive After 50
Move with ease, find more peace in your day, and avoid injury with this powerful year-long yoga program.
Don’t let aging hold you back from the yoga you used to love
Does This Sound Like You?
➤ You’re over 50, have been practicing yoga for years, and it doesn’t seem to “work” for you anymore.
➤ Your body is aging and you aren’t happy with the aches and pains that keep on coming. You want to use yoga to find relief.
➤ You know some yoga philosophy, and you want to apply it more to your life.
➤ You want to develop a personalized yoga practice (sadhana) that is appropriate for this stage of your life.
➤ You want ease and joy to become your guides instead of pain and dread.
➤ You’ve done years of yoga, now what? Yes, there’s more!
Barbara can show you how to enjoy yoga again!
You're here because you know you still have so much to offer. Age is just a number, and you're ready to prove it! Barbara can work with you to restore your vibrancy and well-being, one pose at a time, one breath at a time, one meditation at a time.
Aging Isn't What It Used to Be...
➤ Now, health and wellbeing are our top priorities
➤ 50 is the new 30, and 60 is the new 40, and 70 is where we really shine
➤ We challenge stereotypes with our continuing (or new) strength and flexibility
➤ Our vitality makes positive changes in our communities
➤ We have the responsibility to bring generations together, fostering mutual respect and understanding
We have yoga
We don’t have to act or become old
This program is here to help you restore your own vibrancy and well-being with yoga.
Together, we craft your Vanaprastha Yoga Program
Imagine a yoga practice so perfectly aligned with your needs that it feels effortless, yet profoundly effective. No more struggling in group classes or settling for generic routines. Instead, you'll discover a personalized approach that resonates deeply, making you eager to practice daily. This program isn't just about physical poses. It's about understanding your unique purpose and confidently stepping into your gifts.
In This One-Year Program, Barbara Helps You:
➤ Look at your body, energy, and mind from an easy workable yogic paradigm
➤ Determine how you as a unique individual could be working to achieve more joy
➤ Clarify how to use yoga asanas to make your body feel better
➤ Create a home practice program that can make you age more gracefully with less pain in the body and the mind
➤ Step into a powerful mindset to support your transformation
➤ Get clear on a yoga sadhana that is unique to you
➤ Understand and align with your unique purpose based on your dharmic path
Close your eyes & imagine…
Does This Sound Like You?
➤ Practicing yoga that is so aligned with your unique needs, it feels effortless and still delivers noticeable results.
➤ Feeling confident in a group class, knowing exactly how to adapt the poses to suit your body, without defaulting to "I'll just do another child's pose."
➤ Following a personalized sadhana that not only supports your current practice but also propels you toward future growth and expansion.
➤ Being so inspired by your meaningful yoga practice that you look forward to it every day.
➤ Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your purpose so you can step into your gifts with renewed confidence.
introducing
The Vanaprastha Yoga Program
Vanaprastha Yoga is a transformative approach designed specifically for yogis entering the wisdom years of life. Rooted in ancient Vedic philosophy, "Vanaprastha" refers to when one begins to transition from worldly responsibilities to a more contemplative existence.
At Woodstock Yoga Center, we're dedicated to helping yogis like you practice with ease and joy as you age. Vanaprastha Yoga aligns your practice with your values, addressing your body's changing needs and bringing ease to your journey.
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Strength and Stamina
Barbara's unique approach considers strength, flexibility, and stamina across all levels of being — physical, energetic, and mental-emotional. This holistic view ensures a well-rounded practice that nurtures your entire self.
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The Pancha Kosha Model
Discover how the yogic five-layered model of human existence informs your personalized practice. Barbara tailors each session to address your physical body, energy systems, and mental-emotional state for comprehensive well-being.
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Personalized Support
No two practices are alike in Barbara's approach. Whether you need energizing morning routines, calming evening sequences, or therapeutic structural healing your program evolves with your changing needs.
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Mind-Body Connection
Explore how ancient yogic philosophy applies to modern life. Barbara integrates Patanjali's insights on mental blocks, helping you cultivate a calm, focused mind alongside a healthy body.
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Iyengar Yoga
Experience Iyengar Yoga that is adapted to your unique body and life stage. Barbara's method combines this time-tested approach with modifications that honor your current abilities and goals.
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Targeted Relief
Address specific body parts that often cause discomfort, from feet to head. Barbara's targeted approach helps alleviate issues related to osteoporosis, arthritis, and even depression through carefully selected poses and techniques.
real results
“What a great class, and a great group of students. I am so grateful for the gift you are offering to us. I can feel myself getting stronger.”
It is amazing to me to see these older women so strong from practicing Iyengar Yoga. Such an inspiration. I have seen so many of my peers just fall apart and can't help wondering if things would be different if they also had practiced Iyengar or any yoga, for that matter. Thank you so much for all that you offer. You are a treasure to the Woodstock yoga community.
– D.C.
Here’s How the Vanaprastha Yoga Program Works
Get ready to begin on a transformative, year-long journey with Woodstock’s most experienced yoga teacher, Barbara Boris. She has helped hundreds of yogis get more clarity on how to work with the aging body through yoga and still have a vibrant life into their senior and retirement years.
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Monthly Lectures
Starting in 2025, join us every second and fourth Tuesday on Zoom at 2:00 PM EST. Each month features a unique, one-hour online lecture covering asana, pranayama, and philosophy, tailored specifically to your needs as an aging practitioner. The starting date is still to be determined. Book a call now to talk about it!
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Guided Asana Practice
Following each lecture (and a short break), we’ll practice together in a 90-minute guided asana class on Zoom, applying the principles just learned. This is a chance for you to integrate the “brain learning” into your own body. All sessions are recorded for you to revisit. You'll also receive pre-recorded content and workbooks to support your journey.
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Personal Reflection and Practice
Between sessions, dive deeper with Yoga Sadhana Homework (svadhyaya). This will allow you to reflect on the teachings and how they apply to your unique body and needs. This homework is crucial for your growth, but you won’t have to turn it in or deal with the dog eating it!
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Monthly Q&A and Connection
Deepen your practice with one-hour live Zoom Q&A sessions held two weeks after each lecture/class. Barbara will answer your questions about the teachings and the asanas you’ve been practicing. And between each two week session, Barbara will address your specific questions and challenges as they come up using Voxer, a free very user-friendly "walkie-talkie" app. This will help you navigate your yoga journey with confidence as you stay connected with Barbara and your community of just 30 members.
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Get High Touch, In-Depth Coaching
Barbara has chosen Voxer as your direct line to her expertise and support. Skeptical about support through an app? It's all about mindset! Voxer is free, very user-friendly, and gives you unprecedented access to Barbara when you need it most — whether you're in the midst of a pose when a new pain shows up or have a question on how to proceed. You’ll get tailored guidance and support at the moment inspiration (or frustration) strikes. This is personalized, high-touch coaching that will fit seamlessly into your life.
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Additional One-on-One Sessions
For a more personalized experience, consider adding the option of monthly one-hour private sessions. Privates offer in-depth guidance on your specific needs, body issues, or questions related to that month's teachings. Students who work privately with Barbara get results faster and gain more confidence in their body and spirit. There are only ten spots available for this upgrade. Individual private sessions during the course will depend on availability. By adding on this option in advance you save 10% on the cost of a private and guarantee your spot.
For Yogis Over 50
The Vanaprastha Yoga Program
Together, we'll craft a yoga journey that brings ease, vitality, and purpose to your life.
includes:
➤ Guidance from Woodstock's most experienced yoga teacher, Barbara Boris
➤ Monthly online lectures and asana classes
➤ Monthly Q&A session to address your specific concerns
➤ Personal access to a community of like-minded yogis
➤ Only accepting 30 students
➤ So much more!
Your Investment: $5,000
Payment plans available! This is early bird pricing.
Additional One-on-One Sessions for $2,000
Looking for an even more personalized experience? Add 12 monthly one-hour private sessions with Barbara! (Normally $180/session.) In these sessions, Barbara focuses solely on you — addressing your unique needs, answering your specific questions, and tailoring guidance to your body and spirit. Students who work one-on-one with Barbara often see faster progress and gain deeper confidence in their practice. Now is the perfect time to book… only 10 spots are available for this upgrade.
Payment Options
Monthly Payments of
$450
Pay monthly over a period of a year.
4 payments of
$1,350
Spread out your payments three months at a time.
pay in full
$5,000
Pay in full and the first 10 people get a 1-on-1 session with Barbara before the Program starts in the first part of next year!
Love Yoga at 50 And Beyond
Ready to find a yoga practice that suits this stage of life?
The Vanaprastha Yoga Program is what you’ve been looking for.
Real Results
Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor
Meet Barbara Boris
Your Vanaprastha Yoga Sadhana will be guided by Barbara Boris, Woodstock’s only Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor (CIYT) and a certified member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT). With over three decades of experience in yoga asana, Indian philosophies, and Sanskrit, Barbara's approach to teaching combines deep knowledge with compassion and understanding.
She offers both personalized therapeutic sessions and group classes, focusing on applying Iyengar Yoga principles to support healing, growth, and transformation. Barbara has studied directly with yoga masters in India for over 20 years, and her teaching is grounded in a commitment to authenticity and individual care. Whether you're dealing with physical limitations or looking to elevate your practice, Barbara will guide you with kindness, strength, and wisdom, helping you discover your own path.
Why Work With Barbara Boris?
30+
Years Teaching
200+
Private Clients
3,000+
Students Taught
You could keep struggling through generic yoga classes or quick-fix solutions...
But think about it…
➤ Classes that aren’t tailored to this stage in your life put you at risk of frustration or injury.
➤ Pain meds and quick fixes mask symptoms. This program addresses root causes for lasting well-being.
➤ Giving up on yoga means missing out on the practice you love! Rediscover the joy of yoga and its benefits for healthy aging.
FAQs
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While Barbara is excited about your interest, this program is designed for people with a solid background in yoga. If you're new to yoga, Barbara recommends starting with the Level I Foundations of Iyengar Yoga Course at Woodstock Yoga Center or a similar beginner's course at your local studio. This will help you build the necessary foundation in basic poses and develop a regular practice. Once you have this experience, you'll be well-prepared to join this program and take your yoga journey to the next level.
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Yes! While this program is tailored for those in their 50s and beyond, Barbara welcomes younger yogis who are passionate about developing a sustainable, long-term yoga practice. If you have an established yoga background and are interested in learning how to work with your body more effectively, prevent injuries, and cultivate a mindful approach to aging, this program is for you. Barbara's focus is on helping you protect your body and deepen your practice, regardless of your current age. You'll learn valuable insights that will serve you well as you continue your yoga journey through the years.
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This program is perfect for experienced yogis! It will help you refine your approach, tailor asanas to your body's needs, and align your practice with your life goals. You'll learn to practice effectively, bringing more ease and less discomfort in your daily life.
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No problem! Barbara is happy to work with you to find a start date. Simply reach out to her through the Contact page, and she’ll find a solution that fits your schedule.
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Barbara Boris is Woodstock's only Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor (CIYT), who brings over 30 years of dedication to yoga asana, Indian philosophies, and Sanskrit to her teaching. She is also certified by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT). Through therapeutic one-on-one sessions and group classes, she applies Iyengar Yoga principles with strength, kindness, and compassion, supporting each student's unique path to healing and transformation.
She believes in authentic yoga teaching, backed by over 20 years of study in India and direct training with yoga masters. Her approach is rooted in genuine care for each student's journey, committed to serving you, in all your Divine Potential, to discover your own path toward healing and growth.
Her insights are based on love and acceptance. Barbara meets you exactly where you are — whether you're navigating physical challenges or interested in taking your practice to the next level. She sees Woodstock Yoga Center and her teaching as an offering to nurture the spiritual heart of Woodstock and beyond.
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As a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) and International Yoga Therapist (C-IAYT), Barbara guides students using Iyengar Yoga principles. But don't worry – she's not about nitpicking for its own sake. Her approach is all about understanding the 'why' behind each action, allowing for modifications or adaptations as needed for each individual's unique body and needs.
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Barbara is 65 years old and began her yoga journey at the age of 28. She describes having a very flexible but unstable body and initially practiced strong forms of Jivamukti Vinayasa and Ashtanga yoga for 13 years, eventually realizing they were causing her injuries. When she transitioned to Iyengar Yoga, she developed strength and stability, which changed her practice. There used to be a time when her flexibility and “ungroundedness" would cause her to fall down while just walking down the street!
Barbara used to live a high-pressure life as an art director in New York City advertising firms, fueled by adrenaline, coffee, and alcohol. However, she acknowledges that after 40, especially with the onset of perimenopause and menopause, it became necessary to reevaluate her lifestyle and self-care. With this shift, she rebuilt her yoga practice based on more sensible principles. While she may no longer perform the more “fancy”” poses, she approaches the asanas she practices with strength and confidence.
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This is Barbara's most comprehensive program to date, offering in-depth exploration of yoga sadhana, asana, pranayama, and meditation. The monthly lecture format and limited class size of 30 allows for personalized attention to your unique needs. Unlike group classes, this program provides detailed, strategic work that Barbara won't offer elsewhere. It's the most affordable way to receive her personalized insights and support.
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While Barbara has extensive knowledge, she is not qualified to give medical advice. Her medical insights are based on seeing hundreds of clients over the last 30 years of teaching. All suggestions come from her vast knowledge of Iyengar Yoga and yoga therapy. She will always defer to your own doctor's recommendations to take tests, scans, or alternative modalities. She is also available to act as your medical advocate and hand holder to attend your existing appointments with you.
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It is highly recommended to come live to the monthly lecture, yoga asana class, and Q&A sessions, as these are your time to work with Barbara directly and get your personalized yogic support. The calls also help you to stay accountable, connect with other yogis, share insights, and more. Because this program is only a year long, it is best to make the time to come so you can enjoy the best results. Commitment brings results.
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Vānaprastha (Sanskrit: वानप्रस्थ) literally means 'way of the forest' or 'forest road', is the third stage in the 'Chaturasrama'system of Hinduism. It represents the third of the four ashramas (stages) of human life, the other three being Brahmacharya (bachelor student, first stage), Grihastha (married householder, second stage) and Sannyasa (renunciation ascetic, fourth stage).
Vānaprastha starts when a person hands over household responsibilities to the next generation, takes an advisory role, and gradually withdraws from the world.
The Vānaprastha stage is considered as a transition phase from a householder's life to one with greater emphasis on Moksha (spiritual liberation).
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Iyengar Yoga is a form of yoga developed over the past 75 years by B.K.S. Iyengar. His approach is deeply rooted in the traditional teachings of Patanjali’s eightfold path, which dates back more than 2,500 years. While it focuses on the physical practice of yoga, Iyengar believed that yoga is also an art, science, and philosophy that extends beyond the mat.
This method is designed to be accessible to people of all ages and body types. It emphasizes precision in alignment, timing, and the use of props, allowing students to safely explore poses and deepen their body awareness.
A distinguishing feature of Iyengar Yoga is its standardized system of instruction. Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYTs) undergo comprehensive training and assessments to ensure consistency and depth in their teaching. Only CIYTs can officially teach this method. Using props to aid in proper alignment for beginners while offering deeper extensions for advanced practitioners is a highlight of this method.
Progress in Iyengar Yoga is built gradually through careful instruction. Students are encouraged to develop not just physical strength and flexibility, but also mental clarity and inner calm, as they connect with deeper layers of their being.
Whether you're new to yoga or have practiced for years, Iyengar Yoga offers a lifelong practice that promotes well-being on all levels.
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Yoga therapy involves using yoga practices such as postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques to address specific physical, mental, and emotional challenges. While all yoga has therapeutic potential, yoga therapy takes a more personalized approach, adapting these practices to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Yoga therapists undergo specialized training to assess and guide individuals safely. Based on a person’s goals and limitations, yoga therapy may include movements ranging from gentle to vigorous, breath control exercises, mindfulness practices, or specific postures designed to address areas of discomfort or imbalance.
What makes yoga therapy distinct is its holistic approach. It looks at the person as a whole—body, mind, and spirit—rather than focusing on isolated symptoms. This integrated perspective makes yoga therapy an effective tool for enhancing overall health and well-being.
Unlike a general yoga class, which may offer relief for everyday stress or tension, yoga therapy tailors each session to the individual. Whether it's through one-on-one work or small groups, yoga therapy helps individuals connect with their bodies’ natural healing capacity, creating a safe space for transformation.
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No problem at all! Barbara loves guiding yogis from all traditions. Think of Iyengar Yoga as another tool in your yoga toolbox – one that might work wonderfully for you at this stage of life. You'll explore it together with Barbara, judgment-free.
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Guess what… Barbara doesn't love Zoom either! But here's the thing: this format allows her to reach and help more people who need healing. The group sessions will be detailed and personalized – you WILL be seen and supported. Plus, all classes are stored on our user-friendly platform Teachable, which will be accessible to you anytime, forever.
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Barbara understands the hesitation, that's why there's a payment plan, and early bird pricing available. But let's think about it this way: how much do you currently spend on massages, chiropractic adjustments, or yoga classes? The Vanaprastha Yoga Program helps you organize your healing journey, potentially saving money in the long run. More importantly, it puts you in control of your well-being – that's what psychologists call "agency," and it's a powerful tool for transformation.
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Absolutely! While you get great attention in Barbara’s regular classes, the Vanaprastha Yoga Program will deepen your practice and understanding. It'll enrich your in-class experience and help Barbara tailor her teaching even more precisely to your needs. You can become the super yogi you’ve always wanted to be.
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Due to the transformative nature of this carefully crafted program, there are no refunds. We're confident that if you fully engage with the work, you will experience positive changes in your body, yoga knowledge, and overall joy in life.
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It’s easy! Start by booking a free 30-minute call with Barbara. During this call, you'll have the opportunity to discuss your yoga journey, goals, and any questions you may have about the program. Prior to the call, you'll be asked to complete a brief intake form via Google Docs. This helps Barbara understand your needs better. Ready to apply? CLICK HERE, which will take you to Barbara's Calendly page where you can choose a convenient time for your call.
Join the Vanaprastha Yoga Program
You Deserve to Love Yoga Again
At Woodstock Yoga Center, Barbara is committed to helping yogis like you practice with ease and joy as you age. Vanaprastha Yoga aligns your practice with your values, bringing comfort to your changing body. Are you ready to transform your yoga journey and embrace this new chapter of life?